The pioneer attorney of Maryville was James M. Dews, from Kentucky, who located here in 1848, at a time when there was but little litigation. He also taught the first school in the town in the summer of the same year. His office was in the old log court house, which was also used as a school room. He was regarded as an excellent lawyer, careful and painstaking, and never undertook a case without being fully convinced that his client was in the right. Having acquired the reputation of being a safe counsellor, his advice was sought by litigants throughout the county. After remaining here five or six years, alternately teaching and practicing law, he went to Glenwood, Iowa, where he soon acquired a lucrative practice. He now resides in Kansas City at the age of about sixty-five years.